Consensus and dissent in the resolution of conflicts of competence by the Spanish Constitutional Court: the role of federalism and ideology

Given the lack of unambiguously constitutional foundations, Spain’s Constitutional Court (TC) has being playing a leading role in building the regulatory framework of the Autonomic State. This paper analyses whether this function is sufficient to explain the level of agreement among TC justices when adopting their resolutions, and in particular, on reaching unanimous rulings. If so, the legalist/federalist model would be a more adequate model to explain the behaviour of TC justices than the other models proposed in the literature on judicial behaviour: the attitudinal and the strategic models. A database has been constructed for this purpose with the 390 positive conflicts of competence between the central government and the autonomous communities resolved by the TC from 1981 to 2017, which have been used to estimate various explanatory models of unanimous rulings. The results obtained show the importance of the legalist/federalist model when attempting to explain unanimity in the Court’s pronouncements, but they also offer evidence that there are other factors that also influence the level of agreement among TC justices, remarkably the ideological ones

Extraction of Marine Collagen Derivatives from Hoplostethus mediterraneus Cuvier, 1829 Using a Pressurized Water - CO2 System

Trabajo presentado en: 19th European meeting on Supercritical Fluids (EMSF 2023), organized by the International Society for the Advancement of Supercritical Fluids, Budapest, 21-24 may, 2023The study indicated a new approach for producing nutritional and functional biomaterial from a relatively unutilized marine source while contributing to environmentally responsible and sustainable practices of efficient resource use.This work was supported by TUBITAK 2219 (Post-doc international scholarships programme) and the Agencia Estatal de Investigación (Spain) [grant numbers PID2019–104950RB-I00, TED2021-129311B-I00 and PDC2022-133443-I00] and the Junta de Castilla y León (JCyL) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) [grant number BU050P20]. RM is supported by a Beatriz Galindo Research Fellowship [BG20/00182]

Whole-Brain Models to Explore Altered States of Consciousness from the Bottom Up.

The scope of human consciousness includes states departing from what most of us experience as ordinary wakefulness. These altered states of consciousness constitute a prime opportunity to study how global changes in brain activity relate to different varieties of subjective experience. We consider the problem of explaining how global signatures of altered consciousness arise from the interplay between large-scale connectivity and local dynamical rules that can be traced to known properties of neural tissue. For this purpose, we advocate a research program aimed at bridging the gap between bottom-up generative models of whole-brain activity and the top-down signatures proposed by theories of consciousness. Throughout this paper, we define altered states of consciousness, discuss relevant signatures of consciousness observed in brain activity, and introduce whole-brain models to explore the biophysics of altered consciousness from the bottom-up. We discuss the potential of our proposal in view of the current state of the art, give specific examples of how this research agenda might play out, and emphasize how a systematic investigation of altered states of consciousness via bottom-up modeling may help us better understand the biophysical, informational, and dynamical underpinnings of consciousness

Gregariousness in the giant sloth Lestodon (Xenarthra): multi-proxy approach of a bonebed from the Last Maximum Glacial of Argentine Pampas

Megamammals constituted an important component in the Pleistocene faunal communities of South America. Paleobiological and paleoecological studies involving different megamammal taxa have increased significantly in the last years, but there are still several poorly-known issues of its life history. In this work, we analyze an assemblage composed of 13 individuals of different ontogenetic stages, and possibly different sex, belonging to the giant ground sloth Lestodon armatus (Xenarthra, Folivora), recovered from Playa del Barco site (Pampean Region, Argentina). A dating of 19,849 years Cal BP allows assigning this assemblage to a period of the MIS (Marine Isotope Stage) 2 related to the end of the Last Glacial Maximum. Based on multiple lines of research (e.g. taphonomy, paleopathology, osteohistology, isotopy), we interpret the origin of the assemblage and diverse paleobiological and paleoecological aspects (e.g. social behavior, ontogenetic changes, sexual dimorphism, diseases, resource and habitat use, trophic relationships) of L. armatus. Evidence suggests that the assemblage was formed by a local single event of catastrophic mortality, which affected different members of a social group. This record represents the first accurate evidence of gregariousness for this ground sloth, providing new data on a poorly-known behavior among extinct Folivora

The Spanish Infrared Camera onboard the EUSO-BALLOON (CNES) flight on August 24, 2014

The EUSO-Balloon (CNES) campaign was held during Summer 2014 with a launch on August 24. In the gondola, next to the Photo Detector Module (PDM), a completely isolated Infrared camera was allocated. Also, a helicopter which shooted flashers flew below the balloon. We have retrieved the Cloud Top Height (CTH) with the IR camera, and also the optical depth of the nonclear atmosphere have been inferred with two approaches: The first one is with the comparison of the brightness temperature of the cloud and the real temperature obtained after the pertinent corrections. The second one is by measuring the detected signal from the helicopter flashers by the IR Camera, considering the energy of the flashers and the location of the helicopter

Overproduction of a Trichoderma harzianum chitinase and analysis of its biotechnological potential to produce chitooligosaccharides

Trabajo presentado en la 7ª ed. del congreso internacional "FEMS" organizado por la Sociedad Española de Microbiología y la Federación Europea de Sociedades Microbiológicas en el Centro de Convenciones Feria Valencia (Valencia, España) durante los días 9 al 13 de julio de 2017.BACKGROUNDS: Chitooligosaccharides (COS) are β-(1,4)-linked oligomers of N-acetyl-glucosamine (GlcNAc) and glucosamine (GlcN) formed by chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis of chitosan or chitin. The growing biotechnological interest of COS in fields such as food or health increases the demand of the producing enzymes as well as their characterization and functional improvement. | OBJETIVES: Express a chitinase of 42 kDa from Trichoderma harzianum in a heterologous system, obtain protein levels compatible with its crystallization for the future protein structural resolution and evaluate the ability of the recombinant protein to produce COS. | METHODS: The chitinase gene cDNA from T. harzianum was expressed in Pichia pastoris using a restriction-free cloning strategy, production of heterologous protein was analysed and escalated up to a 5 L fermenter level. Recombinant protein was purified and some crystals were obtained which allows undertake the protein structural resolution. Synthesis of oligosaccharides from different substrates were evaluated and optimized using the recombinant enzyme. HPAEC-PAD on a Dionex ICS3000 system and Mass Spectrometry were used in the reaction studies and product characterization. | CONCLUSIONS: A chitinase of 42 kDa from T. harzianum was overexpressed in P. pastoris, the recombinant protein was purified, characterized and crystallized for the protein structural resolution. Production of COS mediated by this enzyme was evaluated and some of the molecules formed were characterized.N

Taphonomic Criteria for Identifying Iberian Lynx Dens in Quaternary Deposits

For decades, taphonomists have dedicated their efforts to assessing the nature of the massive leporid accumulations recovered at archaeological sites in the northwestern Mediterranean region. Their interest lying in the fact that the European rabbit constituted a critical part of human subsistence during the late Pleistocene and early Holocene. However, rabbits are also a key prey in the food webs of Mediterranean ecosystems and the base of the diet for several specialist predators, including the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus). For this reason, the origin of rabbit accumulations in northwestern Mediterranean sites has proved a veritable conundrum. Here, we present the zooarchaeological and taphonomic study of more than 3000 faunal and 140 coprolite remains recovered in layer IIIa of Cova del Gegant (Catalonia, Spain). Our analysis indicates that this layer served primarily as a den for the Iberian lynx. The lynxes modified and accumulated rabbit remains and also died at the site creating an accumulation dominated by the two taxa. However, other agents and processes, including human, intervened in the final configuration of the assemblage. Our study contributes to characterizing the Iberian lynx fossil accumulation differentiating between the faunal assemblages accumulated by lynxes and hominins

The atmospheric science of JEM-EUSO

An Atmospheric Monitoring System (AMS) is critical suite of instruments for JEM-EUSO whose aim is to detect Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays (UHECR) and (EHECR) from Space. The AMS comprises an advanced space qualified infrared camera and a LIDAR with cross checks provided by a ground-based and airborne Global Light System Stations. Moreover the Slow Data Mode of JEM-EUSO has been proven crucial for the UV background analysis by comparing the UV and IR images. It will also contribute to the investigation of atmospheric effects seen in the data from the GLS or even to our understanding of Space Weather

Refined physical parameters for Chariklo's body and rings from stellar occultations observed between 2013 and 2020

Context. The Centaur (10199) Chariklo has the first ring system discovered around a small object. It was first observed using stellar occultation in 2013. Stellar occultations allow sizes and shapes to be determined with kilometre accuracy, and provide the characteristics of the occulting object and its vicinity. Aims. Using stellar occultations observed between 2017 and 2020, our aim is to constrain the physical parameters of Chariklo and its rings. We also determine the structure of the rings, and obtain precise astrometrical positions of Chariklo. Methods. We predicted and organised several observational campaigns of stellar occultations by Chariklo. Occultation light curves were measured from the datasets, from which ingress and egress times, and the ring widths and opacity values were obtained. These measurements, combined with results from previous works, allow us to obtain significant constraints on Chariklo's shape and ring structure. Results. We characterise Chariklo's ring system (C1R and C2R), and obtain radii and pole orientations that are consistent with, but more accurate than, results from previous occultations. We confirm the detection of W-shaped structures within C1R and an evident variation in radial width. The observed width ranges between 4.8 and 9.1 km with a mean value of 6.5 km. One dual observation (visible and red) does not reveal any differences in the C1R opacity profiles, indicating a ring particle size larger than a few microns. The C1R ring eccentricity is found to be smaller than 0.022 (3σ), and its width variations may indicate an eccentricity higher than ~0.005. We fit a tri-axial shape to Chariklo's detections over 11 occultations, and determine that Chariklo is consistent with an ellipsoid with semi-axes of 143.8-1.5+1.4, 135.2-2.8+1.4, and 99.1-2.7+5.4 km. Ultimately, we provided seven astrometric positions at a milliarcsecond accuracy level, based on Gaia EDR3, and use it to improve Chariklo's ephemeris.Fil: Morgado, B.E.. Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique. Observatoire de Paris; Francia. Ministério de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacao. Observatorio Nacional; BrasilFil: Sicardy, Bruno. Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique. Observatoire de Paris; FranciaFil: Braga Ribas, Felipe. Ministério de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacao. Observatorio Nacional; Brasil. Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique. Observatoire de Paris; Francia. Universidade Tecnologia Federal do Parana; BrasilFil: Desmars, Josselin. Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique. Observatoire de Paris; FranciaFil: Gomes Júnior, Altair Ramos. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Bérard, D.. Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique. Observatoire de Paris; FranciaFil: Leiva, Rodrigo. Universidad de Chile; Chile. Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique. Observatoire de Paris; FranciaFil: Vieira Martins, Roberto. Ministério de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacao. Observatorio Nacional; Brasil. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Benedetti Rossi, G.. Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique. Observatoire de Paris; Francia. Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Santos Sanz, Pablo. Ministério de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacao. Observatorio Nacional; BrasilFil: Camargo, Julio Ignacio Bueno. Ministério de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacao. Observatorio Nacional; BrasilFil: Duffard, R.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Rommel, F.L.. Ministério de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacao. Observatorio Nacional; BrasilFil: Assafin, M.. Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique. Observatoire de Paris; FranciaFil: Boufleur, R.C.. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Colas, F.. Ministério de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacao. Observatorio Nacional; BrasilFil: Kretlow, Mike. Ministério de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacao. Observatorio Nacional; BrasilFil: Beisker, W.. University of North Carolina; Estados UnidosFil: Sfair, Rafael. Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique. Observatoire de Paris; FranciaFil: Snodgrass, Colin. University of Edinburgh; Reino UnidoFil: Morales, N.. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Chile. Universidad Católica de Chile; ChileFil: Fernández Valenzuela, E.. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Chile. Universidad Católica de Chile; ChileFil: Amaral, L.S.. Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Estados UnidosFil: Amarante, A.. Ministério de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacao. Observatorio Nacional; BrasilFil: Artola, R.A.. Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique. Observatoire de Paris; FranciaFil: Backes, M.. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Bath, K. L.. University of North Carolina; Estados UnidosFil: Bouley, S.. University of St. Andrews; Reino UnidoFil: Garcia Lambas, Diego Rodolfo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Schneiter, Ernesto Matías. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Departamento de Ingeniería Económica y Legal; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental; Argentin

Rhodium nanoparticles for ultraviolet plasmonics

The nonoxidizing catalytic noble metal rhodium is introduced for ultraviolet plasmonics. Planar tripods of 8 nm Rh nanoparticles, synthesized by a modified polyol reduction method, have a calculated local surface plasmon resonance near 330 nm. By attaching p-aminothiophenol, local field-enhanced Raman spectra and accelerated photodamage were observed under near-resonant ultraviolet illumination, while charge transfer simultaneously increased fluorescence for up to 13 min. The combined local field enhancement and charge transfer demonstrate essential steps toward plasmonically enhanced ultraviolet photocatalysis.This work has been supported by NSF-ECCS-12-32239. This work was partially supported by the Army’s In-house Laboratory Innovative Research program. Financial support from USAITCA (project no. W911NF-13-1-0245) and MICINN (Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, project no. FIS2013- 45854-P) is also acknowledged